Don’t Lose Your Natural Teeth to Decay!
Dental Inlays, Onlays, and Fillings in Turkey: A Complete Guide
Restorative dentistry is the cornerstone of maintaining a healthy, functional smile. For patients traveling from the UK, Ireland, and Europe, Antalya, Turkey has become a global hub for high-quality, affordable dental care. At The Pearl Clinic Antalya, we specialise in advanced restorative treatments, helping patients understand whether a simple filling or a more durable inlay/onlay is the right choice for their dental health.
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1. Dental Fillings: The Foundation of Restoration
A dental filling is a direct restorative procedure used to treat small to moderate cavities caused by tooth decay. In the past, silver amalgam was the standard; however, modern dentistry has shifted towards more aesthetic and biocompatible materials.
At our Antalya clinic, we exclusively use Composite Resin. This tooth-coloured material consists of a mixture of plastic and glass particles that bond chemically to the tooth structure. This means less of your healthy tooth needs to be removed compared to traditional methods.
The Procedure at The Pearl Clinic:
- Preparation: The decayed area is removed under local anaesthesia.
- Etching: The tooth is prepared to create a strong bond.
- Layering: The composite is applied in thin layers and cured with a specialized light.
- Polishing: The filling is shaped and polished to match your natural bite.
2. Dental Inlays: Precision and Longevity
When a cavity is too large for a standard filling but hasn't yet damaged the "cusps" (the pointed tips) of the tooth, a dental inlay is the gold standard. Unlike fillings, which are molded inside your mouth, an inlay is an indirect restoration.
This means the restoration is custom-crafted in our dental laboratory to the exact dimensions of your cavity. Because they are milled from solid blocks of porcelain or E-max, they are significantly stronger than composite resin. They do not shrink or expand with temperature changes, which prevents the "leaking" often seen with old fillings.
3. Dental Onlays: The "Partial Crown"
A dental onlay is required when the decay or damage covers one or more of the tooth's cusps. In many cases, a traditional dentist might suggest a full dental crown, which requires shaving down the entire tooth. However, at The Pearl Clinic Antalya, we prefer a conservative approach.
An onlay allows us to save more of your natural tooth structure. By only replacing the damaged portion and the cusps, we maintain the integrity of the tooth root and its original strength. It is a highly durable solution that can withstand the extreme pressures of molar chewing forces.
| Criteria | Dental Filling | Dental Inlay | Dental Onlay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complexity | Low (Minor decay) | Medium (Moderate) | High (Extensive) |
| Material | Composite Resin | Porcelain / E-max | Zirconia / Porcelain |
| Durability | 5-7 Years | 12-18 Years | 12-18 Years |
| Time | Same Day | 3-5 Days | 3-5 Days |
| Preservation | High | High | Moderate-High |
4. The Role of Digital Dentistry (CAD/CAM)
One of the reasons patients choose our Antalya dental clinic is our investment in CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing) technology. For inlays and onlays, we use 3D intraoral scanners to take a digital "impression" of your teeth.
This eliminates the need for uncomfortable, messy putty. The digital file is sent to our on-site laboratory where the restoration is designed on a computer and milled with micron-level precision. This ensures a perfect fit, reducing the risk of sensitivity and secondary decay.
5. Why Choose Turkey for Restorative Care?
The primary driver for UK patients is the cost-to-quality ratio. In the UK, a porcelain onlay can cost between £600 and £900 per tooth. In Turkey, you can receive the same E-max or Zirconia restoration for a fraction of that price while receiving care in a clinic that utilizes more advanced technology than many local UK practices.
Furthermore, Antalya offers the perfect environment for recovery. Patients can enjoy the beautiful Mediterranean coastline and world-class hospitality between their two short appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
For larger cavities, yes. Inlays are custom-milled from porcelain, making them far more resistant to wear and staining. They also provide a superior seal, protecting the tooth for nearly twice as long as a filling.
Fillings are completed in one appointment. Inlays and onlays require two visits: one for preparation and scanning, and a second (usually 3-4 days later) for the final fitting.
No. We use advanced local anaesthetics and, for nervous patients, we offer sedation options. Most patients describe the feeling as no different from a standard dental check-up.
Maintenance is simple: brush twice a day, floss daily, and attend regular professional cleanings. Because they are made of porcelain, they are highly resistant to the staining caused by coffee or tea.
